Seattle and Rome top the list of most-booked destinations for the 2026 Labor Day holiday weekend, according to new AAA booking data, as Americans close out summer with getaways despite higher travel costs and expected traffic delays. AAA – The Auto Club Group reports strong demand for Labor Day travel across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For those involved, the holiday weekend presents opportunities for a final summer getaway, with cruises, national park adventures, and international trips among the most popular choices.
Travelers this year face higher costs for fuel, airfare, and hotels, with average domestic roundtrip airfare up 2% year over year, averaging $750. For the most popular Labor Day destinations, airfare is nearly 20% higher than last year, averaging $790.
Domestic hotel bookings are up 9% compared with last Labor Day weekend, while international hotel bookings are 12% more expensive. International airfare, however, is down 4% year over year, creating opportunities for travelers heading abroad. Cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4% less expensive than last year, averaging $2,700 per booking, and travel advisors note cruises remain popular because transportation, accommodations, dining, and entertainment are bundled into one package.
Gas prices may also be higher than last Labor Day. The national average price of gasoline on Labor Day 2025 was $3.19 per gallon; in Illinois it was $3.51 and in Indiana $3.26.
Crude oil, which accounts for roughly half the price consumers pay for gasoline, remains more expensive than a year ago, and energy analysts point to strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories as factors supporting higher fuel prices. On the roads, INRIX expects the heaviest congestion Thursday and Friday as holiday travelers mix with regular commuter traffic. AAA encourages motorists to depart early, allow extra travel time, and avoid afternoon departures.
Last Labor Day, AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside assistance calls for dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and towing, and the company urges drivers to prepare their vehicles before leaving. AAA travel advisors can help compare destinations, book cruises, tours, hotels, rental cars, and travel insurance, and members may access exclusive savings.
The Auto Club Group, named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, has more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two territories and is part of the AAA federation serving more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. For those involved, the 2026 Labor Day holiday weekend promises exciting getaways, despite higher travel costs and expected traffic delays.
Travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend, prioritizing vacations with family and friends. Whether it’s a cruise, a national park adventure, or an international trip, the story unfolds with Americans closing out summer in style.
